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Special Sherbourne Terrace 50th Anniversary Wrap-Around
WEDNESDAY JULY 6, 2016
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MEET SOME OF THE SHERBOURNE TERRACE FAMILY… The Sherbourne Terrace team, from left (front), manager, Nathan Zurcas, managing director, Nick Zurcas, manager, Matthew Zurcas. (Middle), hotel manager, Jeff Campbell, gaming attendant, Myles Keenan, maintenance supervisor, Ross Caranza, accounts manager, Debbie Quinn, housekeeping, Gledisa Emini and Guanita Madrid, housekeeping supervisor, Jenny Matthews and housekeeping, Lisa Martin and Sharon Thompson. (Back), chef, Nicole McDermott, head chef, Ye Thu and sous chef, Matthew Magann. Photo: Emma Hillier
Everyone has a story from the Sherbourne Terrace
Celebrating 50 years as one of Shepparton’s most memorable hotel-motels HAVING undergone four name changes over the years, and between $5M and $10M worth of renovations since the Zurcas family purchased the Sherbourne Motor Inn (as it was known then) in 1978, the Sherbourne Terrace on Wyndham
Street, Shepparton is celebrating 50 years being one of Shepparton’s most memorable and successful hotel-motels. The building first started its life from 1966 as the Commodore, then transformed into the Inlander in the early
1970s before Stan Zurcas and his family left their Numurkah hotel to eventually open what would become one of the city’s most prestigious hotels, the Sherbourne Motor Inn. Continued on page 2
Everyone has a story from the Sherbourne Terrace Celebrating 50 years as one of Shepparton’s most memorable hotel-motels continued from front page THE Sherbourne’s first major renovation was in 1980, when the Zurcas family decided to extend the building to include the Shakers disco and drive-in bottle shop. In the mid 1980s, the building saw its next extension, where another 34 motel rooms and Banquet Function Room were added and a change to its title to become the now well-known Sherbourne Terrace. By the time 1992 came around, the Zurcas family decided it was time to remodel the façade and install the establishment’s first gaming room upstairs with 49 machines, but it still didn’t look like the Sherbourne Terrace as seen today until 1998, when the front of the building was extended and the gaming room brought downstairs. Managing director and son of Stan, Nick Zurcas said that the family had always been involved in hospitality and orchards in the region, with the first Zurcas family hotel being operated in Numurkah in the early 1960s.
“After the hotel in Numurkah, we then purchased the GV Hotel in the mid 1960s and through the growth of the family, our cousins purchased the GV Hotel from us and our side of the family purchased the Sherbourne Motor Inn. “It’s been a huge part of all of our lives and I am sure that everyone in the Goulburn Valley has a memory of this hotel. Everyone would have a story of this hotel whether it be from a wedding, the nightclubs, engagements, conferences, dining or just relaxing with a drink alongside friends. “When it comes to hospitality, there is nothing you can’t do at the Sherbourne. It’s a one-stop hospitality complex. “We do have some future plans for major renovations within the next two years. There is definitely something on the horizon.”
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS… The Commodore Hotel-Motel in 1972. Photo: Supplied.
SHERBOURNE COMES TO LIFE…The Sherbourne Motor Inn in the 1980s. Photo: Supplied.
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At the forefront of hospitality AT least one section of the Sherbourne Terrace today is always open, with the popular hotel-motel operating 21 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The Sherbourne Terrace has undergone some minor changes over the last 20 years, with an upgraded and extended function room, all ability access to the premises, upgraded motel rooms and a renovation having been carried out
on the sports bar meaning there is something for all ages. Thousands of people utilise the various aspects of the premises on a weekly basis including the drive thru bottle shop, TAB, sports bar, bistro, gaming room, accommodation suites or one of the three function rooms, and there will be continued growth to continue accommodating for the community’s and visitors’ needs.
Award winning venue brings multi-million dollar economic boost to region
CORPORATE… The South Courtyard Room. Photos: Emma Hillier.
THE Quality Hotel Sherbourne Terrace’s 55 accommodation rooms cater for all budgets and requirements, and sees more than 10,000 people stay at the popular hotel-motel each year bringing along with them more than an estimated $1M economic boost to the region.
COMFORT… The North Courtyard Room.
The South Courtyard Room features a queen and single bed and is designed for corporate use. The North Courtyard Room features a queen bed with a sofa bed and caters for couples, families or the visitor who just wants that little bit of extra room.
STYLE… The Spa Suite Room.
The Spa Suite Room is perhaps the Sherbourne’s most luxurious room and is the largest of the three options. It features a queen bed, large bathroom and sitting area and as the name states it sports a double spa for that extra touch on a relaxing stay. The Sherbourne’ has been awarded many times over the years, receiving AHA Awards among others. And of course, all rooms come with access to digital television, Foxtel, bathroom amenities, wireless internet access and tea and coffee facilities.
A FAMILY HELPING THE REGION GROW… The Zurcas family have played many important roles in helping the region to grow. From 1943 when Andrew Zurcas and his son, Bill settled in Shepparton, after arriving in Australia in 1937 from Florina in Greece, the Zurcas family have been involved in the fruit industry through their orchards, Zurcas Coolstore and Packing and their exportation of apples and pears. The family has also had links with the transport industry through Zurcas and Co Trucking Company, in property development when they organised the build of the City Central Arcade (Target Arcade) and of course in the hospitality industry through the family’s dealings with the Sherbourne.’ From left (back), Stan Zurcas, Nathan Zurcas, William Zurcas and Sam Zurcas. (Front), Peter Zurcas, Bill Zurcas, Matt Zurcas and Nick Zurcas. Photo: Supplied.
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The faces behind the Sherbourne Terrace
Nick Zurcas
Stan Zurcas (Deceased)
Sherbourne Terrace Founder The hospitality industry has been a way of life for Sherbourne Motor Inn founder, Stan Zurcas as he has worked in the industry since 1963. During his time, he witnessed great changes in the area of hospitality and it has been a constant challenge to remain abreast of those changes.
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Sherbourne Terrace Managing Director and Overseer the Zurcas Group of Companies Having been a part of the Sherbourne since day one, Nick Zurcas says he has a love for the hospitality industry, which was the reason he decided to work with the family business. He believes the secret behind the Sherbourne Terrace’s success is the fact it is a local, family run business. Nick said, “Hospitality continues to evolve and will never cease to evolve.”
Nathan Zurcas
Manager Son of Sam and Liz Zurcas, Nathan Zurcas has been at the Sherbourne’ his whole life, but he officially began working full time straight after school. Growing up in the hotel and around customers he realised his love for hospitality. Nathan said, “You never know how we will have to evolve, but as we have shown in the past we are always up for the challenge of providing a family friendly hospitality experience for everyone to come and enjoy.”
Jenny Matthews Dale Anwyl
Bottle Shop Manager Dale has been working alongside the Zurcas family since 1979. He started working with the company after his mother, who also worked there, got him a trial. Dale says that the success behind the Sherbourne’ is the fact that it has been longstanding.
Executive Housekeeper Almost 30 years ago Jenny Matthews took up the casual, part time job being offered at the Sherbourne’ and has stayed on board for the long haul. She decided to join the team because it was a family run business with family values. Jenny said, “It is great to see how the Sherbourne has progressed and it can only continue to grow.”
eThe faces behind the Sherbourne Terrace
Jeff Campbell Matthew Zurcas
Manager In 2011, son of Nick and Maria Zurcas, Matthew Zurcas made the decision to join the Sherbourne Terrace team because of his interest in the family run business. He believes the success of the Sherbourne’ has come from the fact that not only is it family run but the staff and management have a great understanding of their patrons. Matthew said, “In 50 years I hope to see the celebration of the Sherbourne’s 100 years.
Hotel Manager As hotel manager, Jeff Campbell’s role is to oversee the running of the Squatters Sports Bar and McGuires Bistro. He first worked at the Sherbourne’ in 1993 and it is his fifth time working for the Zurcas family. Jeff feels the secret to the success of the hotel is the dedication to continual improvements of facilities over an extended period of time. Jeff said, “With continued upgrades and dedication to the Goulburn Valley, and the continual investment in staff and hospitality systems, the hotel will only continue to grow into the future.”
Mandy Rogers
Reception Manager Since 1983, Mandy Rogers has been a part of the Sherbourne’ family. After looking for work in the city, she noticed the position available at the Sherbourne’ and because it was a family run business she jumped on the opportunity. Mandy said, “Anything could happen in the future of the Sherbourne Terrace.”
The Sherboure Terrace family EMPLOYING locals is something that the Sherbourne Terrace knows all too well the importance of, as it helps to build a strong local economy. There are between 80 and 90 members of staff as part of the Sherbourne Terrace family who take care of the kitchen, bar, TAB, housekeeping and reception areas to ensure each visitor enjoys their time as much as possible at the Sherbourne.’ Managing director, Nick Zurcas said,
“Because we are open 7 days a week there is somebody here all day everyday of the week, and every day of the year. “It is crucial for the town to employ locals. The town can’t thrive without job security. “This hotel has been here for 50 years under different names and over that time it has seen the creation of a substantial amount of jobs.”
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A memorable part of Shepparton’s nightlife THE Sherbourne Terrace’s nightclubs have all been famous in their own right, with the evolution of its nightlife scene moving from Quarter Deck to Station One. The Quarter Deck was one of the most popular places to be in the late 1960s and was famous for its jazz nights. In 1978, the club adjusted to the times and became Shakers disco, which was well known for its cover bands. But perhaps one of the venue’s most memorable clubs that many can say they frequented, would be Station 1, which came to life in 1988 and was popular for its DJs. Manager, Nathan Zurcas said, “Many people would have memories of each of the clubs and they have played an important part in the lives of many in the Goulburn Valley. “Everyone loved them. “While there is no nightclub in operation at the Sherbourne at the moment, we are contemplating opening one in the future.”
TIME TO PARTY… Station 1, which was opened in 1988 and closed in the early 2000s. Photo: Supplied.
SHAKE AND GROOVE… Shakers disco, which opened in 1978 and was popular for its cover band nights. Photo: Supplied.
Functionality to suit any occasion WHETHER it’s a wedding, business conference, private lunch or dinner, convention, cocktail function or a birthday party, the Sherbourne Terrace can cater for any occasion through its purpose designed function rooms. The newest addition to its optional function spaces is the Terrace Room, which can cater for 400 sit down guests and is perfect for weddings, conferences and conventions. The Wyndham Room caters for up to 60 guests sit down and would suit small meetings or private lunches and dinners. The Nightclub can seat up to 400 people but is better suited for cocktail functions and birthday parties, and
because it was the old Station 1, the room is already decked out with all the equipment you need to ensure a great night out. All rooms have access to data and audio visual equipment and can be catered to suit any need, so drop in at the Sherbourne Terrace and speak with one of their friendly staff about the function room options available. PURPOSE DESIGNED FUNCTION ROOMS… The Sherbourne Terrace has three purpose designed function rooms to accommodate for anything from a wedding, business conference, private lunch or dinner, convention, cocktail function or a birthday party. Photo: Supplied.
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The Sherbourne Terrace charm RELAXING ATMOSPHERE… Hotel manager, Jeff Campbell at Squatters Sports Bar. Photos: Emma Hillier.
BEST OF LUCK… TAB attendant of five years Tenille Cook and manager, Nathan Zurcas.
TANTALISING MEALS… Head chef of 12 months, Ye Thu in the kitchen of McGuires Bistro.
Drive thru ease and convenience
AN entertaining sports bar, inviting bistro, TAB and gaming room are all a part of the Sherbourne Terrace charm. Squatters Sports Bar began as a saloon style bar, but in 2012 underwent a modernisation becoming a complete entertainment venue with 30 televisions showing a range of live sports and races. The 2012 upgrade came at a cost of $150,000 and saw the bar fully gutted and the installation of new walls, floors, an extension of the floor space and the construction of an outdoor smoking area. The sports bar also has access to the venue’s TAB area, which offers punters of all kinds the chance to watch their races and games closely and place their bets accordingly. Starting out as a small ladies lounge coupled with a full restaurant upstairs at the Sherbourne, McGuires Bistro gained its name and original look in the mid 1980s and has had some cosmetic upgrades over the past 20 years. Today it seats approximately 150 people and has been combined with the restaurant. The bistro offers a deliciously tantalising menu which includes the typical options you expect to find at any good bistro, including a chicken parmigiana, steaks,
pasta dishes, seafood as well as weekly specials that offer the chef the chance to be creative and offer something unique. The gaming room was started in 1993 with 49 machines and due to government regulations, now has 43 machines.
RELAX AND DRIVE THRU… Drive thru bottleshop manager of 35 years, Dale Anwyl and local Shepparton resident, Ian Power. Photo: Emma Hillier.
THE Sherbourne Terrace premises has had a bottle shop since it was the Commodore in 1966, but it only became a drive thru bottle shop in 1978 and still remains one of Shepparton last remaining drive thru bottle shops.
Originally a United Inn Keeper, the bottle shop is now a Thirsty Camel and offers ease and convenience and its manager of 35 years, Dale Anwyl can help you with any purchase or top drop you are after.
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